Avis accepts your valid driver's license from your home country, but also requires an International Driving Permit if your license is not in English or Roman characters

Avis rental locations worldwide will rent to you with your original home-country license alone if that license is written in English or uses Roman letters (the standard alphabet used in English). If your license is in another script — Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, or any non-Roman alphabet — you must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to your original license. The IDP is a translation document, not a separate license, and it is only valid when presented alongside your original license.

The requirement applies at most Avis locations globally, though some countries have additional rules. For example, some European countries legally require an IDP for any foreign driver, regardless of whether the original license uses Roman characters. Before you travel, contact the specific Avis location where you will pick up the car to confirm what documents they need for your home country and license type.

Key Takeaways

  • An International Driving Permit is required by Avis only if your home-country license is not written in English or Roman characters.
  • The IDP is a translation document issued by your home country's automobile association and is only valid when carried with your original license.
  • You must obtain an IDP before you travel — they are not issued at rental counters or in other countries.
  • Some countries legally require an IDP for all foreign drivers regardless of license script, so check the laws of the country where you will drive, not just Avis policy.
  • Avis also requires you to be at least 21 years old (25 in some locations) and to have held your license for at least one year.

How to get an International Driving Permit before your trip

An International Driving Permit is issued only by your home country's national automobile association or the government body that oversees driving licenses. You cannot get one at an Avis counter, at an airport, or in the country you are visiting. You must explore in your home country before you leave.

In the United States, the American Automobile Association (AAA) and the American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA) both issue IDPs. You will need your valid U.S. driver's license, a passport-style photo, and a completed process form. Processing usually takes one to two weeks if you explore in person at an AAA office, or longer if you mail the process. The permit costs between $15 and $20 and is valid for one year from the date of issue.

If you are from another country, contact your national automobile club or your country's transportation ministry to learn where to explore. The process and cost vary by country. Some nations issue IDPs at post offices or motor vehicle offices; others require you to go through an automobile association. Start this process at least three weeks before your trip to account for processing time and mail delays.

What Avis checks at the rental counter

When you arrive to pick up your car, Avis will ask for your driver's license and will verify that it is valid and not suspended or revoked. They will also check your age — you must be at least 21 years old to rent from most Avis locations, though some locations require you to be 25. If you are under 25, Avis may charge a young driver surcharge.

Avis will also verify that you have held your license for at least one year. If your license was issued less than a year ago, you will not be able to rent. They will cross-check your name, address, and license number against their system and may run a background check. If you have an International Driving Permit, present it at the same time as your original license.

You will also need to provide a valid credit card in your name, proof of insurance (or purchase Avis's insurance at the counter), and a valid passport or government-issued ID. Avis does not accept expired documents, so make sure everything you bring is current.

When Avis will refuse to rent to you even with the right documents

Avis may refuse to rent to you if your license has been suspended or revoked, even if it has not technically expired. They run checks against state and national databases, and a suspension will show up. If you have been convicted of certain driving offenses — such as driving under the influence, reckless driving, or driving with a suspended license — Avis may deny the rental based on their underwriting policy.

Avis also will not rent to you if your license is expired, even by one day. The license must be valid on the day you pick up the car. If your license expires during your rental period, that is usually acceptable, but you should confirm with the location when you book.

If you have had multiple accidents or traffic violations in the past three to five years, Avis may charge a higher rate or refuse to rent to you altogether. This depends on Avis's underwriting guidelines and the severity of the incidents. If you are unsure whether your driving record will disqualify you, call the rental location directly before you book.

International Driving Permit versus other documents

An International Driving Permit is not the same as a translation of your license. Some countries offer certified translations of driver's licenses, but these are not the same as an IDP and Avis will not accept them in place of an IDP. The IDP is a specific document issued by your national automobile association and follows a standardized format recognized internationally.

A national ID card or passport is not a substitute for a driver's license. Avis requires an actual driver's license as your primary document. A passport or national ID may be used as proof of identity to verify your name and age, but it does not prove you are licensed to drive.

Some countries issue digital or mobile driver's licenses through smartphone apps. Avis policy on these varies by location and country. If your home country has issued you a digital license, contact the specific Avis location where you will pick up the car to confirm whether they will accept it. In most cases, you should also carry a physical, printed license as a backup.

What to do if you lose your International Driving Permit during your trip

If you lose your IDP while you are traveling, you cannot get a replacement while you are abroad. The IDP can only be issued by your home country's automobile association. If you lose it, you will have only your original license to show Avis if you need to extend your rental or pick up a second car.

Whether Avis will rent to you with only your original non-English license depends on the country where you are renting and Avis's policy at that specific location. Some locations may make an exception if you report the loss to local police and obtain a police report, but this is not may provide. To protect yourself, make a photocopy of your IDP and store it separately from the original, or take a photo of it on your phone.

If you are stranded without your IDP and cannot rent a car, contact your country's embassy or consulate in that country. They may be able to issue you a temporary travel document or direct you to a way to get a replacement IDP quickly, though this is not always possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an International Driving Permit if my license is in English but issued outside the United States?

No. Avis requires an IDP only if your license is not in English or does not use Roman characters. If your license is in English and uses the standard alphabet, you do not need an IDP for Avis. However, some countries have their own laws requiring an IDP for all foreign drivers, so check the laws of the country where you will drive.

Can I rent from Avis with an expired International Driving Permit if my original license is valid?

No. The IDP must be valid on the day you pick up the car. An expired IDP is not accepted, even if your original license is current. If your IDP has expired, you must obtain a new one before your trip.

What if Avis says they do not need an International Driving Permit but the country's laws require one?

Avis's policy and the country's legal requirement are separate. Even if Avis does not ask for an IDP, local police or traffic authorities may stop you and require it. You are responsible for following the laws of the country where you are driving, not just Avis's rental policy. Carry an IDP if the country requires it, regardless of what Avis says.

How long is an International Driving Permit valid?

An IDP is typically valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries issue IDPs valid for three years, but this varies. Check the expiration date on your IDP before you travel. If it expires during your trip, you may not be able to extend your rental or pick up a second car.

Can I use an International Driving Permit to drive in any country?

An IDP is recognized in most countries that are signatories to the 1926 or 1968 International Convention on Motor Vehicle Traffic. However, some countries do not recognize it or have additional requirements. Before you travel, research the driving laws and requirements of the specific country where you will drive.